Shirley Stralow-Nelson, 83, of Morrison, IL, died on Thursday, October 7, 2021, at Resthave Care & Rehabilitation in Morrison.
Shirley was born September 12, 1938, in Sterling, IL, to Herbert and Evelyn (Matthew) Habben. She was educated in the rural Whiteside County grade schools and was a graduate of Morrison High School. She married Alvin C. Stralow on August 14, 1956, in Sterling. He died on March 31, 2005. She later married Hugh “Whitey” Nelson on January 14, 2006. He died on August 28, 2021. Shirley, along with her husband, Alvin, farmed in the Morrison area. She then drove a school bus for Clystic School. She was a cook at Sugar and Spice Tea Room for a few years. Then she managed and cooked at the Morrison American Legion for many years, until it closed. While there, she formed many friendships and was famous for her pies. Shirley continued to make pies for a couple of years at Happy Joe’s in Morrison. She was an active member of the St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran-LC-MS Church where she participated in Dorcus Society and Ladies Aide; coordinated many luncheons and banquets; attended many Bible studies. Shirley enjoyed golfing and was a member of Morrison Country Club. She also enjoyed sewing, dancing, and baking. Her greatest joy in life was having family over for their many yearly traditions. Her favorite tradition was the Christmas Eve Prime Rib Dinner.
She is survived by daughters, Marsha (Tom) Fagan of Fulton, IL, and Ann (Rick) Edwards of Bloomington, IL; son, Randy (Karen) Stralow of Morrison; eight grandchildren, Andrew (Dana) Grater, Bradley (Shannon) Grater, Sara (Ben) Brown, Morgan Edwards, Madison Edwards, Zachary (Melisa Stralow), Danielle (Cody) Krug and Brooke Stralow; eight great-grandchildren; three step-sons, Dan Nelson, Randy (Dana) Nelson, and Todd (Brenda) Nelson all of Morrison; ten step-grandchildren; 17 step-great-grandchildren; sister, Jane Jacoby of Rock Falls, IL; brothers, Neil Habben of Sterling, and Jess (Marsha) Habben of Morrison.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, Alvin; second husband, Whitey; brother, Arlyn Habben.
Her Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Monday, October 11, 2021, at St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran-LC-MS Church in Morrison, IL, with Rev. Anthony Appel officiating.
Visitation will precede the service from 9:30 a.m., until the time of the service.
The Morrison Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Interment will be at Grove Hill Cemetery in Morrison, IL.
Memorials have been established.